Jesus, the Warrior Messiah, Revelation 19:11-16
Dr. Steven Smith (Guest Speaker), MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 28, 2010
We need to read Revelation 19 through the lens of Psalm 2. The Jewish nation lived for the redeemer Messiah of Psalm 2.
Psalm 2:2 shows the armies gathering together against the Messiah and in Psalm 2:9 we see God giving Him victory in battle.
When Jesus comes to Jerusalem He doesn’t seem to be the same sort of Messiah promised in Psalm 2. He is humble. He pays taxes to Rome. He dies! He does come back but then He disappears.
This letter from John titled “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” seems to be closer to the Messiah revealed in Psalm 2. They thought the “warrior” Messiah was gone. This letter changes things. God has not forgotten the prophecies.
Revelation 19:11
Who is this? He is called “Faithful and True”. He is the one from Revelation 1:5. He is on a war horse.
Revelation 19:12
“…like a flame of fire…” - The idea here is not a “physicality” but of omniscience, having all knowledge.
“…many diadems…” – Crowns representing He has all authority.
“…He has a name written that no one knows but himself.” – In Revelation 3:12 He is given a new name. Makes us think of Philippians 2:9. In this culture knowing a person’s name gives him the right to judge.
So He sees all things, He has all authority, and He has a name so He can exercise right judgement.
Revelation 19:13
“…The Word of God.” – John 1:1
“…dipped in blood…” – This is not His blood. The judgment is so severe that someone else’s blood is on Him. If you aren’t covered in His blood, He will be covered in yours. His enemies will be judged.
We have many “images” of Jesus that we think of. We see Him in Bethlehem as a baby. We see Him in Galilee as a “hippie” Jesus. We see Him at Calvary as the “whipped” Jesus. All of these are outdated. He is not a baby, a Jewish peasant, or hanging on a cross. Now He is a warrior!
Revelation 19:14
“…arrayed in fine linen…” - From Revelation 19:8 we see that these are the church. Everybody in front of them is damned.
Revelation 19:15
This is a picture of victory so pronounced that the enemies blood flows like wine. (Isaiah 63:1-19)
“…with a rod of iron…” – This is almost a direct quote from Psalm 2:9. The difference is between the words “break” and “rule”. The idea is total, complete, unilateral domination. Not to fight but to judge. The Greek word for “rule” is similar to “shepherd”. The shepherd used an iron staff for beating wolves, not a wooden staff for leading the sheep. To be a good shepherd for the sheep you must be a bad shepherd for the wolves. There are many references to Jesus as a shepherd including Matthew 9:36 and Matthew 26:31.
The 19th chapter of Revelation ends with no battle. It just says, “…the rest were killed.” It ends rather anticlimactically. Jesus’ robe is in blood, ours is white. We aren’t there to fight but watch. Jesus executes the judgment we can’t and shouldn’t do. Psalm 2:10-12 tells us we shouldn’t because we should fear Him and trust Him – alone. I should fear Christ alone. There is no one or nothing that should cause me to emote fear – everything is subject to Christ!
This is a message to unbelievers. It is in vogue now to be against what Christ is for. He will bring justice. We shouldn’t lash out at them but beg them to fear Him alone. Repent of self-consciousness about being a Christian in this culture. Christ’s ultimate domination means that I do not fear the lost culture; I pity the culture and weep for them.
It is also a message to the goats among the sheep, the tares amongst the wheat who have no love for God or His Word. Those who have a cynical spirit with no trust and no love for lost people. Jesus is the warrior Messiah, fear Him alone and come to Him as the Good Shepherd before you meet Him as the bad shepherd. Christ will defend His bride one day.
Where are you not trusting Him? Are you not trusting Him with your finances, your circumstances, your church? Trust Him alone. Fearing Him alone and trusting Him alone are the only responses to the exalted Christ. No one else deserves my complete confidence.
“Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.”
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, Martin Luther
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Quote - Our Real Self
"We have a beautiful prayer at the close of Psalm 19: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." There could be no higher standard of life, than is set for us in this prayer.
The conduct may be blameless--while the thoughts are stained with sin. It is easier to keep our acts without fault--than to keep our feelings, our desires, and our affections pure. We may do no outward act of cruelty or unkindness; while our hearts may be full of jealousies, envies, and all selfishness. We are to seek that our thoughts be so white and clean--that they will be acceptable in God's sight.
The prayer covers our words, our thoughts, and our meditations; each a closer test than the one before. It is a great thing to be faultless in speech--but perfect grammar is not enough. Our words may be beautiful and graceful--and yet our thoughts may be full of hypocrisy, of deceit, of all evil! The prayer here is that our thoughts may please God. This is a higher spiritual attainment, than merely faultless words.
Then, a still higher test of life--is our meditation. Meditations are our deepest thoughts, the quiet ponderings of our hearts. Meditation is almost an obsolete word in these times of hustle and bustle. The word belongs rather to the days when men had much time to think--and think deeply. We meditate when we are alone, when we are shut away from others. Our minds then follow the drift of our own desires, dispositions, and imaginations. If our hearts are clean and good--our meditations are pure and holy. But if our hearts are evil and unclean--our meditations are of the same moral quality. Thus, our meditations are an infallible test of our real self. "As a man thinks in his heart--so is he." Proverbs 23:6
This prayer is, therefore, for a life of the highest character--one acceptable to God, not only in words and thoughts--but also in meditations. Such a life, everyone who loves God and would be like God--should seek to live!"
J.R. Miller, "Amusements"
The conduct may be blameless--while the thoughts are stained with sin. It is easier to keep our acts without fault--than to keep our feelings, our desires, and our affections pure. We may do no outward act of cruelty or unkindness; while our hearts may be full of jealousies, envies, and all selfishness. We are to seek that our thoughts be so white and clean--that they will be acceptable in God's sight.
The prayer covers our words, our thoughts, and our meditations; each a closer test than the one before. It is a great thing to be faultless in speech--but perfect grammar is not enough. Our words may be beautiful and graceful--and yet our thoughts may be full of hypocrisy, of deceit, of all evil! The prayer here is that our thoughts may please God. This is a higher spiritual attainment, than merely faultless words.
Then, a still higher test of life--is our meditation. Meditations are our deepest thoughts, the quiet ponderings of our hearts. Meditation is almost an obsolete word in these times of hustle and bustle. The word belongs rather to the days when men had much time to think--and think deeply. We meditate when we are alone, when we are shut away from others. Our minds then follow the drift of our own desires, dispositions, and imaginations. If our hearts are clean and good--our meditations are pure and holy. But if our hearts are evil and unclean--our meditations are of the same moral quality. Thus, our meditations are an infallible test of our real self. "As a man thinks in his heart--so is he." Proverbs 23:6
This prayer is, therefore, for a life of the highest character--one acceptable to God, not only in words and thoughts--but also in meditations. Such a life, everyone who loves God and would be like God--should seek to live!"
J.R. Miller, "Amusements"
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sermon Notes - Simple Symbols of Profound Realities
Simple Symbols of Profound Realities, Mark 14:12-26
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 21, 2010
Words are often not enough. God uses symbols. The rainbow is a reminder of His promise. Jeremiah wore a yoke. Hosea married a prostitute to show Gods compassion for an adulterous nation. These are illustrations of Gods work. Symbols can be dangerous, however. Symbols often take place of the reality. We start to worship the symbol because we have lost the reality. We must look beyond the symbol to the reality.
1. Symbol of deliverance – Mark 14:12-16
Doors marked with blood were spared. The family was “passed over”.
Unleavened bread – swift deliverance
Salt water – tears of slavery
Bitter herbs – bitterness of slavery
Fruit puree – reminds them of the bricks
2. Symbol of betrayal – Mark 14:17-21
This is a “mood changer” compared to the previous celebration. The providence of God doesn’t cancel out the freedom of Judas, he is still guilty of sin.
“…better for that man if he had not been born” – a tragic phrase from Jesus. Jesus knows that this person will spend eternity separated from Him. Jesus knows how terrible hell is. This is a picture of everyone who ultimately deny Jesus.
We should about every unbeliever we know. It is a terrifying statement that should cause all of us to present the Gospel faithfully, consistently, prayerfully, and passionately. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5, we should be begging people to receive Christ.
3. Symbol of salvation – Mark 14:22-26
He took the symbols that pointed to something else and changed them to point to a new reality. They were looking at Jesus, they knew it waasn’t His literal body. They knew it was symbolic because the old symbol was symbolic also.
The cup symbolized the new covenant with His people. It was the blood of lamb before, now it is the blood of Jesus Christ.
Once and for all lets us know that there is no need for annual animal sacrifices ever again.
Jeremiah 31 tells us of this new covenant. The Passover symbols were a symbol of the past as well as a shadow of the future.
4. Symbol of a personal reality
These are symbols of what He has done historically but also symbols of what He has done for me personally. When we take the elements, it is a symbol of what we have done. The symbol by itself means nothing without us personally knowing that reality. It is a symbol of His death but, personally, a symbol of life. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 talks of people partaking of the elements who have never experienced a personal reality. The symbol is a dangerous thing without the reality behind it. The power is not in the symbol; the power is in what the symbol represents.
Symbols point to:
The past – What Jesus did.
The present – I have applied what He has done.
The future – Salvation is complete and we will be with Him.
Have you experienced the reality of the symbol? It can be a symbol of reality or hypocrisy.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 21, 2010
Words are often not enough. God uses symbols. The rainbow is a reminder of His promise. Jeremiah wore a yoke. Hosea married a prostitute to show Gods compassion for an adulterous nation. These are illustrations of Gods work. Symbols can be dangerous, however. Symbols often take place of the reality. We start to worship the symbol because we have lost the reality. We must look beyond the symbol to the reality.
1. Symbol of deliverance – Mark 14:12-16
Doors marked with blood were spared. The family was “passed over”.
Unleavened bread – swift deliverance
Salt water – tears of slavery
Bitter herbs – bitterness of slavery
Fruit puree – reminds them of the bricks
2. Symbol of betrayal – Mark 14:17-21
This is a “mood changer” compared to the previous celebration. The providence of God doesn’t cancel out the freedom of Judas, he is still guilty of sin.
“…better for that man if he had not been born” – a tragic phrase from Jesus. Jesus knows that this person will spend eternity separated from Him. Jesus knows how terrible hell is. This is a picture of everyone who ultimately deny Jesus.
We should about every unbeliever we know. It is a terrifying statement that should cause all of us to present the Gospel faithfully, consistently, prayerfully, and passionately. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5, we should be begging people to receive Christ.
3. Symbol of salvation – Mark 14:22-26
He took the symbols that pointed to something else and changed them to point to a new reality. They were looking at Jesus, they knew it waasn’t His literal body. They knew it was symbolic because the old symbol was symbolic also.
The cup symbolized the new covenant with His people. It was the blood of lamb before, now it is the blood of Jesus Christ.
Once and for all lets us know that there is no need for annual animal sacrifices ever again.
Jeremiah 31 tells us of this new covenant. The Passover symbols were a symbol of the past as well as a shadow of the future.
4. Symbol of a personal reality
These are symbols of what He has done historically but also symbols of what He has done for me personally. When we take the elements, it is a symbol of what we have done. The symbol by itself means nothing without us personally knowing that reality. It is a symbol of His death but, personally, a symbol of life. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 talks of people partaking of the elements who have never experienced a personal reality. The symbol is a dangerous thing without the reality behind it. The power is not in the symbol; the power is in what the symbol represents.
Symbols point to:
The past – What Jesus did.
The present – I have applied what He has done.
The future – Salvation is complete and we will be with Him.
Have you experienced the reality of the symbol? It can be a symbol of reality or hypocrisy.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
We surf...so you don't have to - Feb. 16
Cultivate Humility - Part 1, Part 2
Manifestations of pride (part 1) and humility (part 2).
Throw Away Your Step-Stool!
Humility and the beauty of the doctrine of predestination.
King of the Castle
We used to call it "king of the mountain", either way the point is still valid.
Manifestations of pride (part 1) and humility (part 2).
Throw Away Your Step-Stool!
Humility and the beauty of the doctrine of predestination.
King of the Castle
We used to call it "king of the mountain", either way the point is still valid.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Quote - None of us would want to have our hearts photographed!
"Having loved His own who were in the world--He loved them unto the end!" John 13:1
A friend is one who loves--and does not cease to love. Christ having loved His people--loves them unto the end.
One quality of true friendship, is trust. What could be more sacred than this comfort of feeling safe with a person, absolutely safe? That is the kind of friend Jesus is. You may always feel safe with Him. You may confess all your sins to Him. You may tell Him all your faults and your failures--how you denied Him the other night, how you failed to be true to Him, and all the evil thoughts of your heart; and He will be just as tender and gracious--as if you never had sinned! He loves unto the end!
None of us would want to have our hearts photographed, and the picture held up before the eyes of our neighbors! We would not want even our best friends to see a full transcript of our secret life--what goes on within us:
the jealousies,
the envyings,
the bitter feelings,
the impure thoughts,
the meannesses,
the selfishnesses,
the suspicions,
the doubts and fears!
Yet Christ sees all this unworthy inner life--He knows the worst that is in us--and loves us still! We do not need to hide our weaknesses from Him. He never withdraws His love. We may trust Him absolutely and forever!"
J. R. Miller, "When the Song Begins"
A friend is one who loves--and does not cease to love. Christ having loved His people--loves them unto the end.
One quality of true friendship, is trust. What could be more sacred than this comfort of feeling safe with a person, absolutely safe? That is the kind of friend Jesus is. You may always feel safe with Him. You may confess all your sins to Him. You may tell Him all your faults and your failures--how you denied Him the other night, how you failed to be true to Him, and all the evil thoughts of your heart; and He will be just as tender and gracious--as if you never had sinned! He loves unto the end!
None of us would want to have our hearts photographed, and the picture held up before the eyes of our neighbors! We would not want even our best friends to see a full transcript of our secret life--what goes on within us:
the jealousies,
the envyings,
the bitter feelings,
the impure thoughts,
the meannesses,
the selfishnesses,
the suspicions,
the doubts and fears!
Yet Christ sees all this unworthy inner life--He knows the worst that is in us--and loves us still! We do not need to hide our weaknesses from Him. He never withdraws His love. We may trust Him absolutely and forever!"
J. R. Miller, "When the Song Begins"
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sermon Notes - Oh, To Really Love Jesus!
Oh, To Really Love Jesus!, Mark 14:1-11
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 14, 2010
How is your love for Jesus? Not your study or your service, although those may be manifestations, but, your love for Jesus. Is it a reckless abandon, shout it from the street, can’t stop talking about Him kind of love? This text shows us one lady who really loves Jesus.
Those who hate Jesus – Mark 14:1-2
The religious leaders of the day hated Jesus. The light exposed the darkness of their wicked heart. They are trying to kill Him surreptitiously. They are cowards.
Jesus is not at Jerusalem where the religious leaders are. He is at Bethany in Simon the leper’s house. Simon was a leper, previously, they wouldn’t be at his house otherwise. One day he met Jesus, thus, he was a leper. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were also there, with the disciples. They were away from the anger in Jerusalem enjoying themselves.
One who really loves Him – Mark 14:3-9
John 12 tells us it was Mary. This is the same Mary from Luke 10 where Martha was irritated at Mary for just sitting there to which Jesus replied that she should worship.
300 denari was equivalent to one year of salary. This was expensive perfume. It was stored in a vial so that only a little bit could come out at a time, as opposed to a vase where a lot may go to waste. She breaks the vial and pours it all on Jesus. This broken vial symbolizes a broken heart with the poured perfume showing us that she was giving all her love. Mary knew He was about to pour out His blood in love for her and forgiveness of her sins. She also knew He was the anointed one, the Messiah, from Psalm 92, thus she anointed Him. This was extravagant love, demonstrating that she believes He is supremely worthy.
Those who don’t hate Jesus – Mark 14:3-4
They ask why the perfume is wasted. Religious people make Mary feel shame for loving Him. They don’t hate Jesus but they don’t love Him. The church is filled with these.
1. They love to work but not worship – They are like Martha. They have a lot of knowledge but no affection. They don’t really know the Lord.
2. They believe everything done for Jesus should be reasonable and practical – Leave your job? Take your kids on a mission? The problem is that Christianity is not reasonable to unbelievers. Love is not reasonable.
3. They are always uncomfortable around those who love Jesus – They look down at their immaturity. They are thus full of pride.
God is not looking for us to get less excited about Jesus! He doesn’t rebuke Mary. He could have said, yes, that was too much. That would have been easier for everyone. He rebukes those who rebuke Mary. He is thrilled about what Mary has done.
What caught His attention?
1. Her action went beyond reason – It wasn’t unreasonable. There was a good reason for it, it just went beyond reason. There are many great biographies of those who have gone “beyond reason” for Christ. Consider John Gibson Paton who lost five children and his wife on the mission field.
2. Her action was completely unselfish – Mark 14:6 says it is “to me”. Mark 14:7 says it is “for me”. Nothing kills love like self.
3. Her actions were unreserved – She is like the widow who gave two coins. Mary could have just given a drop and it would have been good.
We don’t want to be known as “not hating Jesus”. We must cultivate a love for Jesus.
We must know God and how He feels about us. We must believe what we know about God. We must act on what we know and believe. This is what Mary did. The whole Christian life follows this pattern – know, believe and act.
Jesus clearly taught that loving Him in a way that is beyond reason, beyond fear, unreserved, and unselfish is the right response to Him. In order to cultivate this kind of real love for Jesus, we must know why He is valuable, choose to believe that He is valuable, act upon what we know and believe, and then rest in the fact that responding this way is the best of all possible things to do. Pray that God will give you a love for Jesus that is beyond reason and fear – a love that is unreserved and wholly unselfish. Don’t be afraid to act in a way that is beyond reason.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 14, 2010
How is your love for Jesus? Not your study or your service, although those may be manifestations, but, your love for Jesus. Is it a reckless abandon, shout it from the street, can’t stop talking about Him kind of love? This text shows us one lady who really loves Jesus.
Those who hate Jesus – Mark 14:1-2
The religious leaders of the day hated Jesus. The light exposed the darkness of their wicked heart. They are trying to kill Him surreptitiously. They are cowards.
Jesus is not at Jerusalem where the religious leaders are. He is at Bethany in Simon the leper’s house. Simon was a leper, previously, they wouldn’t be at his house otherwise. One day he met Jesus, thus, he was a leper. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were also there, with the disciples. They were away from the anger in Jerusalem enjoying themselves.
One who really loves Him – Mark 14:3-9
John 12 tells us it was Mary. This is the same Mary from Luke 10 where Martha was irritated at Mary for just sitting there to which Jesus replied that she should worship.
300 denari was equivalent to one year of salary. This was expensive perfume. It was stored in a vial so that only a little bit could come out at a time, as opposed to a vase where a lot may go to waste. She breaks the vial and pours it all on Jesus. This broken vial symbolizes a broken heart with the poured perfume showing us that she was giving all her love. Mary knew He was about to pour out His blood in love for her and forgiveness of her sins. She also knew He was the anointed one, the Messiah, from Psalm 92, thus she anointed Him. This was extravagant love, demonstrating that she believes He is supremely worthy.
Those who don’t hate Jesus – Mark 14:3-4
They ask why the perfume is wasted. Religious people make Mary feel shame for loving Him. They don’t hate Jesus but they don’t love Him. The church is filled with these.
1. They love to work but not worship – They are like Martha. They have a lot of knowledge but no affection. They don’t really know the Lord.
2. They believe everything done for Jesus should be reasonable and practical – Leave your job? Take your kids on a mission? The problem is that Christianity is not reasonable to unbelievers. Love is not reasonable.
3. They are always uncomfortable around those who love Jesus – They look down at their immaturity. They are thus full of pride.
God is not looking for us to get less excited about Jesus! He doesn’t rebuke Mary. He could have said, yes, that was too much. That would have been easier for everyone. He rebukes those who rebuke Mary. He is thrilled about what Mary has done.
What caught His attention?
1. Her action went beyond reason – It wasn’t unreasonable. There was a good reason for it, it just went beyond reason. There are many great biographies of those who have gone “beyond reason” for Christ. Consider John Gibson Paton who lost five children and his wife on the mission field.
2. Her action was completely unselfish – Mark 14:6 says it is “to me”. Mark 14:7 says it is “for me”. Nothing kills love like self.
3. Her actions were unreserved – She is like the widow who gave two coins. Mary could have just given a drop and it would have been good.
We don’t want to be known as “not hating Jesus”. We must cultivate a love for Jesus.
We must know God and how He feels about us. We must believe what we know about God. We must act on what we know and believe. This is what Mary did. The whole Christian life follows this pattern – know, believe and act.
Jesus clearly taught that loving Him in a way that is beyond reason, beyond fear, unreserved, and unselfish is the right response to Him. In order to cultivate this kind of real love for Jesus, we must know why He is valuable, choose to believe that He is valuable, act upon what we know and believe, and then rest in the fact that responding this way is the best of all possible things to do. Pray that God will give you a love for Jesus that is beyond reason and fear – a love that is unreserved and wholly unselfish. Don’t be afraid to act in a way that is beyond reason.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
We surf...so you don't have to - Feb. 9
Would Anyone Notice?
"Would your church be missed?"
Words that also mean the opposite of themselves
The context of words is so very important!
Jacket+Bookmark
Designing book jackets with a bookmark in mind.
"Would your church be missed?"
Words that also mean the opposite of themselves
The context of words is so very important!
Jacket+Bookmark
Designing book jackets with a bookmark in mind.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Quote - A Booklover
"I ate them like salad, books were my sandwich for lunch, my tiffin and dinner and midnight munch. I tore out the pages, ate them with salt, doused them with relish, gnawed on the bindings, turned the chapters with my tongue! Books by the dozen, the score and the billion. I carried so many home I was hunchbacked for years."
From Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
From Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sermon Notes - MBBC and the Mission of God
MBBC and the Mission of God, Psalm 67:1-7
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 7, 2010
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us!
1. We must be committed to humbly seek the favor of God
This is a humble prayer of a people hungry and desperate for God.
Humble – it begins with an entreaty of God, “...be gracious to us…” We are dead without the grace of God. If He isn’t gracious we cease to exist.
Hungry – they are not satisfied with where they are. They ask to be blessed. They are unashamedly asking for more blessings. We are sunk without the blessing of God.
Desperate – they ask God to “…cause your face to shine upon us.” God turns His face away to all those who rebel – that thought should terrify us. Not just turned to us but shine on us, so others can see the glory of God in us.
Those who love God always ask humbly, hungrily and desperately. They are asking for one thing – they want more God. God give us more of you.
This is a corporate prayer, not necessarily an individual prayer. God works through a group of people. In the old covenant it was Israel. In the new covenant it is the church. We will reach the nations through His church. He doesn’t intend for us to do this alone. You can’t love Jesus if you don’t love His bride.
2. We must aggressively focus on people for God
Their motivation was right. They were praying this for a reason; they were praying “that” (first word of Psalm 67:2). Take the blessing from Psalm 67:1 to bless other people. We can’t be a church stuck on verse 1. There is an inseparable connection between the love of God and the love of people. When God does His work He wants to do it through His people for other people.
3. We must fully engage in the mission of God
The Bible is about God’s mission. He didn’t create a mission for His church but created a church for His mission. We want to do what He has called us to do.
What is the mission? It is to gather together people to exalt His son and Himself. We are to present our lives as a reasonable worship (Romans 12:1). We don’t just present our words but everything we are as a living sacrifice to a living God.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
J. Josh Smith, MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, attended February 7, 2010
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us!
1. We must be committed to humbly seek the favor of God
This is a humble prayer of a people hungry and desperate for God.
Humble – it begins with an entreaty of God, “...be gracious to us…” We are dead without the grace of God. If He isn’t gracious we cease to exist.
Hungry – they are not satisfied with where they are. They ask to be blessed. They are unashamedly asking for more blessings. We are sunk without the blessing of God.
Desperate – they ask God to “…cause your face to shine upon us.” God turns His face away to all those who rebel – that thought should terrify us. Not just turned to us but shine on us, so others can see the glory of God in us.
Those who love God always ask humbly, hungrily and desperately. They are asking for one thing – they want more God. God give us more of you.
This is a corporate prayer, not necessarily an individual prayer. God works through a group of people. In the old covenant it was Israel. In the new covenant it is the church. We will reach the nations through His church. He doesn’t intend for us to do this alone. You can’t love Jesus if you don’t love His bride.
2. We must aggressively focus on people for God
Their motivation was right. They were praying this for a reason; they were praying “that” (first word of Psalm 67:2). Take the blessing from Psalm 67:1 to bless other people. We can’t be a church stuck on verse 1. There is an inseparable connection between the love of God and the love of people. When God does His work He wants to do it through His people for other people.
3. We must fully engage in the mission of God
The Bible is about God’s mission. He didn’t create a mission for His church but created a church for His mission. We want to do what He has called us to do.
What is the mission? It is to gather together people to exalt His son and Himself. We are to present our lives as a reasonable worship (Romans 12:1). We don’t just present our words but everything we are as a living sacrifice to a living God.
NOTE: These are my notes, taken as I listened to the sermon live. Any errors, misunderstandings or misinterpretations are my responsibility entirely and not the fault of the preacher.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
We surf...so you don't have to - Feb. 2
Holy Hundrum
Interruptions remind me that I am not the master of my life.
How American Express Helps Us to Smile Upon God’s Work
We should always be asking, “How does this communicate the glory of God?”
The Most Popular Unknown Novelist in America?
I've read one of his young adult novels. I didn't like the one I read but obviously many others do.
Interruptions remind me that I am not the master of my life.
How American Express Helps Us to Smile Upon God’s Work
We should always be asking, “How does this communicate the glory of God?”
The Most Popular Unknown Novelist in America?
I've read one of his young adult novels. I didn't like the one I read but obviously many others do.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Quote - Say Goodbye to Our Small Ambitions
"It is time to say goodbye to our small and self-oriented ambitions, and to abandon ourselves to the cause of Christ and his gospel. God has a plan that will determine the destiny of every person and nation in the world, and it is unfolding here and now as the gospel of Christ is preached and the Holy Spirit is poured out. Is there anything more vital to be doing in our world? Is it more important than our jobs, our families, our pastimes-yes, even more important than the comfort and security of familiar church life. We need to recapture the radicalism of what Jesus said to the young man who wanted to return and bury his father: “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60)."
The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
HT: Take Your Vitamin Z
The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
HT: Take Your Vitamin Z
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